2012 can’t end fast enough, glad to be back at computer

2012 can’t end quick enough. Turning 60 in April during the year has been more than I can handle, I guess.

It feels good to be back and into your home with this small weekly communication. I now value this opportunity more than ever. Few are as lucky as I have been.

You see, I have been sidelined since Nov. 18. Four days earlier, I had experienced the most severe headache that I think I ever had. With it came cold, clammy chills. Thinking it was just the flu, I battled it until I couldn’t take it anymore. I drove myself to the emergency room at Lincoln County Medical Center on Nov. 18 after I was resigned to go to the doctor the next day. I couldn’t take it anymore. They diagnosed correctly that I was experiencing a possible cardiac issue. Air Evac flew me to St. Joseph Hospital West where I had a stent placed, addressing the nearly 100 percent blockage affecting the left side of my heart. I was still experiencing headaches and blurred vision so I was transported to DePaul to their neurology department. After a MRI and angiogram, it was confirmed that I had a blood leakage in the head. I was then sent to a eye specialist who verified swelling and blood leakage behind the retina. I am awaiting a visit to a retina specialist this week and hopefully, one treatment will allow me to regain my previous level of vision. Since my return back to Troy, I experienced a urinary tract infection and a sore on the sole of my foot. I can literally and truthfully say, I was examined from head to foot. I was also placed on steroids so when I completely recover, will I hit a baseball better than ever?

At each stop, I experienced the care and compassion of health care professionals and, along with the team at Troy Family Practice, I thank all for that attention. The cards, prayers, flowers, visits from family and friends were definitely among the tonic which has me now back at work on a part-time basis. I stayed with my brother Joe and his wife Joyce when I first got out of the hospital. I miss that good cooking. I’m behind in the Christmas shopping but fortunately I’m still here to say that. I want to thank the staff at the Journal especially Kristen and James who did a great job assuming my responsibilities in my absence. To Ron Mills for ‘pinch hitting’ for me in providing Trojan basketball information and to the other coaches and athletic directors for providing information.

Despite the latest setback, I am a very privileged individual for living in such a caring community which has great people. I am further convinced that Jesus is real. As we again honor His birth through the upcoming season, his grace and mercy are more enduring to me than ever before.

In Luke 8:39- “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” In John 3-16-17- “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn, but to save the world through Him.”

This Christmas, reflect and share what God has done for you. Do something nice by giving of yourself to those who know or may not know.